Kepimpinan Wanita dalam Sejarah Gerakan Sosial di Malaysia (1900-2020).

History does not progress linearly, opening space to question discourses and power dynamics in the hierarchy between men and women simultaneously. Therefore, this paper adopts a gender approach with a specific focus on the Leadership Labyrinth coined by Eagly and Carli to dissect the challenges of women’s participation and leadership in the public sphere. The historical background is traced from the 2nd century to the 21st century, divided into phases based on significant events, with attention to leadership, participation, and influence of women. Here, a pertinent question arises: how do women, facing diverse challenges, not only become subjects of development but also choose diverse platforms and discourses to demonstrate that their parity is not singular? Women are found to exhibit their leadership abilities as early rulers, gradually constricted to supporters of movements and homemakers. Subsequently, women successfully lead organizations, advocating for equal treatment, and their voices are included in decision-making at decision making levels. By employing the approach and a research methodology aligned with the study’s objectives, this paper aims to demonstrate that often-overlooked dimensions and perceived obstacles to women’s progress can be supportive factors in enhancing their leadership positions in society. Women are seen strategizing through non-violent means and utilizing domestic spaces, in addition to public spaces. In essence, women strategically organize using capacities and spaces under their control to advocate for their rights and beliefs. The variations resulting from the applied approach showcase the richness of this historical domain in offering an alternative framework for examining women’s leadership. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]